On Sunday, Mexicans participated in historic elections addressing issues of gender equality, democracy, and populism, amid a backdrop of cartel violence.
With two women leading the race, Mexico is poised to elect its first female president, a significant milestone in a country with a long-standing macho culture. This election is also the largest in Mexican history, with over 20,000 congressional and local positions available, as noted by the National Electoral Institute.
Claudia Sheinbaum, the former mayor of Mexico City, has consistently led in the polls, maintaining a substantial double-digit advantage. Her main rival, Xóchitl Gálvez, an opposition senator and tech entrepreneur, represents a coalition united mainly by their opposition to outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
As Mexico heads into this pivotal election, the nation is deeply polarized. Friends and families avoid political discussions to prevent further divisions, while drug cartels have fragmented the country into various warring territories. The election period has been marred by unprecedented heat, drought, pollution, and political violence.
Key issues dominating the election include:
- Whether to continue populist policies or intensify efforts against cartels.
- The growing influence of drug cartels and gangs on the electoral process.
- The choice between maintaining the current administration's path or seeking change amidst ongoing violence.
In early returns, Claudia Sheinbaum is leading, but only 10% of polling place tallies have been counted, slowing the vote count. The head of Mexico’s electoral agency has urged all parties, candidates, and the media to act with restraint and responsibility in announcing results, emphasizing the importance of a fair and transparent process.
Mexican voters, both within the country and abroad, have shown high engagement. Consulate offices in the U.S. reported lines forming as early as 3:30 a.m., with similar scenes in Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles. In California alone, over three million Mexican immigrants were eligible to vote.
Violence has tainted the election in several regions. In Tijuana, an armed attack near a voting center left three people injured. In Ensenada, criminals stole ballots, leading to a police chase and the death of one assailant. In San Fernando, Chiapas, armed men kidnapped a voter, who was later found beaten. Other incidents included ballot thefts and attempts to burn ballots in various states.
Despite these challenges, voting proceeded peacefully in most places, albeit with some delays. Sheinbaum and Gálvez both cast their votes, with Gálvez noting the high voter turnout and anticipating delayed results. Voters like Julio GarcÃa and Diego GarcÃa expressed their desire for change due to the increasing crime and violence.
A new trend in this election saw voters bringing their dogs to polling stations, adding a unique atmosphere to the high turnout. Many, like frontrunner Sheinbaum, urged citizens to exercise their right to vote, emphasizing the historic nature of this election.
Incentives like free goods for voters with inked fingers were offered by thousands of stores to encourage participation. Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission criticized electoral authorities for not acting forcefully enough against perceived slander, reflecting ongoing tensions between government bodies.
As Mexico awaits the final results, the country stands on the brink of potentially electing its first female president, amid significant political, social, and security challenges.
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